Our Lady of the Hearing Chapel

Category: Religious Architecture > Chapel

District: Viseu > Castro Daire > Monteiras > Colo do Pito

Location

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Ouvida is located on a high point, in the area known as Colo do Pito, which belongs to the locality of Monteiras, in the municipality of Castro Daire. Situated on this plateau, the chapel benefits from a natural setting that invites serenity and offers views of the surrounding landscape of the region.

Origin and Legend

The history of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Ouvida is linked to an ancient tradition and a remarkable event. According to local memory, during a period of severe drought that afflicted the parish of Monteiras, a devout shepherd named Bento led a pilgrimage to Senhora da Lapa, seeking rain. Upon returning from their journey, on August 3rd, and already near the village of Relva, the sky began to darken and the much-awaited rain finally fell.

Further on, upon reaching a spot on Carvalhal Verde hill, where the chapel now stands, they encountered an unexpected phenomenon: a vast blanket of snow covered the ground, even in the middle of summer. In this miraculous setting, at the highest point, the pilgrims saw the design of a chapel engraved in relief on the snow. Impelled by faith, the inhabitants of Monteiras erected their chapel there, initially dedicated to Nossa Senhora das Neves (Our Lady of the Snows). The current name, Nossa Senhora da Ouvida (Our Lady of the Heard), is believed to have arisen from the conviction that countless prayers and promises were answered there.

Architectural Evolution

The building of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Ouvida began as a modest 18th-century hermitage. With the passage of time and the growth of devotion, the chapel underwent significant transformations. In 1980, it was expanded, gaining a cross shape and a more imposing dimension, while always remaining in the same location and on the same plateau where its history began.

Heritage and Tradition

Inside the chapel, the polychrome images of Nossa Senhora da Ouvida and Saint Barbara, believed to date from the 15th century, are noteworthy. The image of Nossa Senhora da Ouvida, in particular, is an Ançã stone sculpture, 580 millimeters high, testifying to Portuguese sacred art.

Devotion to Nossa Senhora da Ouvida remains alive, with a traditional novena beginning on July 25th and culminating on August 3rd, the date of the annual feast in honor of the patroness. This celebration is recognized as one of the great pilgrimages of Portugal, attracting faithful and visitors seeking a moment of reflection and participation in a cultural manifestation with deep roots.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt